The Red Witch: A biography of Katharine Susannah Prichard (Nathan Hobby, MUP) 

Fifty years after the writer Katharine Susannah Prichard’s death, Nathan Hobby has produced this highly detailed, meticulously researched biography, both a revealing account of Prichard’s thrilling life and a sensitive tribute to one of literary Australia’s most curious founding figures. Her reputation as a hardline Stalinist accounts for the title, even though the gentle, perceptive and kind woman at the heart of The Red Witch seems at odds with this cold description. Strangely, given Prichard’s great patriotism towards Australia and her love of its people, combined with her genius skills as a creator of fiction, she refused to back down from her support for the USSR despite the increasingly horrifying revelations as the century progressed, staunchly carrying on with her political work until her death at 85 in 1969. But maybe it was just a vital part of Prichard’s indomitable drive and positivity; she fervently believed a better society was possible if people would only stay true to the cause. Fearless, energetic and hardworking, she had her share of influential lovers and shocking personal tragedies; she was also pretty damn lucky, winning bountiful prizes, having many strong friendships and seeming to constantly traverse the planet unscathed during a tumultuous period of history. Anyone who still believes Australian literature only began mid-20th century with male figures such as Patrick White needs to read this informative and engrossing work. 

Julia Taylor worked for many years in trade publishing. 

Category: Reviews